Athina Studios

Athina Studios & Suites occupies a spot directly at Plaka Beach in the Maragkas area, one of the longest stretches of golden sand on Naxos's western coast. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 148 guest reviews, it consistently ranks among the better-regarded self-catering options in this part of the island — and the location alone goes a long way toward explaining why.

The property follows Cycladic architectural principles: whitewashed walls, clean geometric lines, and flowering gardens that soften the stone courtyards. It caters specifically to independent travellers who want the flexibility of a kitchen and a base near the beach without the formality of a full-service hotel.

What to Expect

Athina Studios & Suites offers self-contained studio and suite accommodation in a low-rise complex surrounded by gardens. Studios are set up for self-catering, which makes them practical for longer stays or for families who want to manage their own schedule and meals. The property describes itself as following Cycladic architecture throughout, and the verdant grounds give it a quieter, residential feel compared to the busier resort hotels further north toward Agios Prokopios.

On-site, the Yucca Beach Kitchen Bar — launched in 2018 — serves food and drinks drawing on local Greek produce and the island's culinary traditions, so you're not entirely dependent on cooking for yourself. The complex also handles weddings and private events, which means high-season weekends can see activity in the communal areas.

Reception hours run 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day of the week, so late arrivals should arrange key collection in advance.

How to Get There

Plaka Beach and the Maragkas area sit roughly 8 km south of Naxos Town (Chora). The most straightforward route by car or scooter is to follow the coastal road south from Chora through Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, continuing until the road narrows into the Plaka stretch. The address is listed under Plaka Maragkas, so GPS coordinates (37.0599, 25.3584) will get you there reliably.

By bus, KTEL Naxos operates seasonal routes from Naxos Town bus station to Plaka during the summer months — the stop is close to the beach. Confirm the current timetable at the bus station in Chora, as schedules change between shoulder and peak season.

Taxi from Naxos Town port takes around 15 minutes and is the easiest option for arrivals with luggage on evening ferries. Parking is available in the Plaka area without major difficulty outside of August.

Best Time to Visit

Plaka Beach faces west and catches the afternoon and evening sun, making it particularly good for late-day swimming. The Meltemi wind, common across Naxos from mid-July through August, can be stronger along this exposed coastal stretch, so if you prefer calmer water, early June or September tends to offer more settled conditions.

For accommodation availability, booking well ahead is necessary for July and August — Plaka's reputation has grown steadily and the self-catering segment fills early. Late May, early June, and September offer good weather with fewer crowds and more negotiating room on rates.

Tips for Visiting

• Contact reception directly at +30 2285 041153 or via [email protected] before arrival to arrange late check-in if your ferry docks after 9:00 PM.
• Stock up on groceries in Agia Anna or Naxos Town before settling in — Plaka has limited supermarket options close by.
• A scooter or small car is genuinely useful here; while the beach is on your doorstep, reaching Naxos Town, villages like Halki, or archaeological sites independently is far easier with your own transport.
• Yucca Beach Kitchen Bar is on-site but check ahead for its seasonal opening dates, as beach bars in Plaka typically open from late May and close by early October.
• Ask about the wedding and events calendar when booking if you want a quieter stay — large private events can affect the communal atmosphere on certain dates.

What's Nearby

Plaka is a long, continuous beach that stretches south from Agia Anna, and the Maragkas end is generally the quietest section — fewer beach bars, more open sand. Agia Anna village, about 2 km north, has tavernas, a small port with local fishing boats, and a handful of shops.

Further afield, the Tragea inland plain — with marble-paved villages like Halki, the Byzantine Panagia Drosiani church, and the Kouros of Flerio — is around 20 minutes by car and worth a half-day excursion. Naxos Town's waterfront, the Portara, and the Kastro neighbourhood are all reachable in under 20 minutes by road.